Get the Most From Your Food Label!

Do you or your family have food allergies? 2% of adults and 5% of infants and children suffer from food allergies. Each year, roughly 30,000 individuals require emergency room treatment and 150 individuals die from allergic reactions to food. Eight major foods or food groups--milk, eggs, fish, Crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans-- account for 90 percent of food allergies

What does the use-by date mean on a food product label? Recommended use-by dates are voluntarily included by most manufacturers to ensure product quality to the consumer. The sell of infant formula and over the counter drugs past the manufacturer’s sell by date is prohibited in North Carolina.

Are nutritional labels required for all products? Most products are required to bear a nutritional label, but there are exceptions. Small businesses, food prepared for immediate consumption, small packages, and foods with no nutrient value such as tea, coffee, and some spices are exempt.